Lot
156 (
)
(Spanish-American War) NOT IN CUBA, Military Station No. 1, Cuba., purple two-line handstamp and pink manuscript. "whereabouts unknown" on cover front to Rev. Henry Swift, Chaplain 13th U.S. Infantry, Yellow Fever Camp, New Siboney, Cuba bearing 2¢ pink (279B) tied by "Easton, Pa. Aug - 4.8-AM-98" machine cancel, additional purple "NOT IN DIRECTORY 2" and "UNCLAIMED" handstamps, along with "Returned to Buffalo, N.Y.P.O., Oct 29 1898", "Dead Letter Office, Postage Stamps" framed handstamp, manuscript "Returned To Eaton Nov 28. 98" notation at bottom left; clipped corners for apparent fumigation, Very Fine and attractive use, ex-Hahn. Estimate $300 - 400.
The Yellow Fever Camp was set up in July 1898 by Marie Gorgas. Yellow fever was one of the most intimidating tropical diseases at the time, with mortality rates ranging from 10% to 60%. In 1898, experts believed "filth" caused many diseases including yellow fever. Thus, when the army departed the camp at Siboney, they burned everything to the ground including unused supplies. Despite efforts to sanitize Havana and other areas to control disease, yellow fever continued to threaten the American mission in Cuba. The Army set up a commission that conducted experiments in 1900, and found the true source of the disease was infected female mosquitoes.
Realized: $375